Unissued Diplomas

I had the honor of leading the demonstration of the "Unissued Diplomas" exhibit at Carleton University, an event aimed at memorializing Ukrainian students whose lives were tragically cut short by the ongoing Russian invasion. This exhibit, displayed at our university library, was a poignant reminder of the harsh realities of war and the daily sacrifices Ukrainians make in their unyielding fight for freedom.

The "Unissued Diplomas" exhibit brings forward the stories of 40 Ukrainian students who, once full of dreams and ambitions, will never have the chance to graduate. They used to be like students everywhere: sitting in lecture halls, attending favorite classes, fretting over exams, and hoping for a future. However, after February 24, 2022, the lives of Ukrainian students were irrevocably altered. Classrooms transformed into bomb shelters, and study spaces into battlegrounds. Fear gave way to resilience, and bravery became a way of life.

At our exhibit opening, we hosted an academic-led panel discussion to shed light on the personal and educational losses endured in the wake of Russia's aggression. It was a moving event that connected the campus community with the stories of young lives taken too soon. The "Unissued Diplomas" project serves as a global reminder of the price paid by Ukraine in its pursuit of freedom and the enduring impact on its future generations. This exhibit was created not only to honor these young lives but to keep their memory alive and to ensure that the world does not forget Ukraine’s fight.

To learn more, please visit: https://www.unissueddiplomas.org